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xii Introduction compares to China in each sector. We evaluate these space sectors to iden- tify the most promising avenues for the United States to gain a competitive advantage over its strategic competitors and potential adversaries. Finally, we define an American space agenda to form a unified front on space policy. To be successful, private-sector space companies, NASA, the Department of Defense, Congress, and the White House, among others, must all work together to unlock the limitless potential of space. The final chapter explores and explains this imperative and recommends actions for Congress, the executive branch, and various agencies in the U.S. govern- ment to advance a coherent space vision and robust state policy. WHY THIS BOOK NOW? The past decade has seen great advancements from China in the space domain. If this trajectory continues unchallenged, the United States will soon find itself at a serious economic and military disadvantage. Unfor- tunately, the United States has been pursuing space policy and objectives without any long-term strategy. Various American policymakers have advocated for space to different degrees, but none has done so in a truly comprehensive, coherent, and vigorous manner. This project aims to pro- vide a road map for preventing China from assuming the mantle of the world’s preeminent space power—and to position the United States as the technical and moral leader of the world through superiority in space. Building on the knowledge of space leaders in the U.S. military, gov- ernment, academia, and the private sector, this book benefits from expert insights across all segments of the space industry and provides recommen- dations for policymakers to use that span multiple presidential adminis- trations. It is intended to serve as a guidebook for legislators and executive branch officials who will confront the space issues outlined in these pages. In an era of increasing space development, it is imperative to understand not just military threats to the U.S. space architecture but also the chal- lenges posed by adversarial space programs, opportunities for private sec- tor and government cooperation, and the unbounded economic potential space offers. This book will help readers to understand the full landscape of space policy, detail the threats to U.S. space assets and the economic advantages of the burgeoning space economy, and offer solutions to some of today’s most pressing space-related policy challenges. More than a simple history or summary of where we stand, the volume will look ahead to debates that are only now cresting the wave of public policy discourse and promise to be relevant over the next decade and beyond.